With a range of nightlife options that include laid-back beer gardens, elegant clubs packed with celebrities, cozy lounges, and rowdy bars, the Bavarian capital of Munich certainly doesn’t lack for things to do.

Affectionately referred to as a “big village” because of its intimate and charming atmosphere, this vibrant city’s party scene is equally attractive to casual beer lovers as it is to rowdy live music fans and those who prefer a posher club vibe.

Great international restaurants abound, while major concert venues consistently draw big acts from all over the world. It may be a village, but this bustling metropolis has something for everyone.

Explore Munich by Neighborhood

Known as the historical center of Munich, City Center encompasses Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, Karlsplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Kaufingerstrasse, and everything around each of these landmarks.

Given the large number of historical sites, the area is usually flooded with snap-happy tourists. Since the neighborhood is also Munich’s business center, however, there are plenty of stylish men and women to add to the bustle of the streets.

Known as the historical center of Munich, City Center encompasses Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, Karlsplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Kaufingerstrasse, and everything around each of these landmarks.

Given the large number of historical sites, the area is usually flooded with snap-happy tourists. Since the neighborhood is also Munich’s business center, however, there are plenty of stylish men and women to add to the bustle of the streets.

Still regarded by many as the social hub of the city, Schwabing is probably Munich’s most popular neighborhood, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

This posh and trendy district is known for attracting an elite crowd – referred to by many Germans as the “Schickeria” of Munich – and some of its bars, restaurants, and clubs are definitely priced to match.

On summer days, the bustling street cafés on Leopoldstrasse are packed with glamorous patrons

Directly across from Altstadt (Old Town) and the City Center, Au-Haidhausen’s high banks along the River Isar made it a popular location for brewers during the 1800s, enabling them easy access to a natural water source while still having room to dig in a big cellar for their gloriously sudsy product.

Largely destroyed during World War II, the area is primarily residential, although Paulaner (one of Munich’s largest breweries) still operates here as it

Maxvorstadt encompasses the area surrounding Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) and Technical University (TU). These two massive universities have more than 70,000 students and, combined with a glut of museums, means the neighborhood is overrun with German and international academics at all hours of the day.

Maxvorstadt is full of bars, cafés, and restaurants whose environments and prices all cater to a clientele made up mostly of students and faculty

Neuhausen-Nymphenburg is a relaxing and rather stunning neighborhood that offers a quiet escape from the urban crunch and transitions to a hopping nighttime scene for those who know where to look.

The biggest daytime draw is undoubtedly the Schloss Nymphenburg, the largest Baroque palace in Germany and the former summer residence of Bavarian kings. Both the palace and its adjoining park provide visitors with some 500-acres of verdant fields,